Hotel Florenc - Prague, Czech Republic     

Was really impressed with the hotel, fab location, friendly staff and great service. We emailed the hotel prior to the visit to inform them that we would be arriving quite late due to a late flight, they responded by saying that they would send a taxi to the airport for a reasonable price. Even though we were delayed an hour the taxi guy was standing in arrivals waiting for us. The hotel also booked us a taxi to get back to the airport. Room was lovely and clean and there was plenty of space. Clean towels were left when we left ours on the floor by the door. Breakfast was good, plenty of different things to eat. The hotel was a fantastic base to explore the city. If I ever go back to Prague I would definately go back to this hotel.

My husband and I have just returned from 4 nights stay at the hotel Florenc. I have often taken negative reviews with "a pinch of salt" on this site and whilst the Florenc is comparatively cheap for Prague and within walking distance I would not recommend it. We changed rooms immediatly on arrival firstly being allocated a room on the 1st floor directly overlooking the main road which was very noisy, the room was dark and depressing and very very dated in decor with a dirty carpet and paint peeling on the walls. The hotel reception then gave us a key to another room which was slightly better with a double bed rather than single beds as per the first room however there was only one pillow and a single quilt. Reception told us to take the towels from the first room ( which were very small and rough and threadbear) I also took a pillow otherwise we would have only had the one to share, luckily there was a spare quilt in the wardrobe of the second room which they did put a cover on after the first night but basically we had 2 single covers which would have been less then 2" thick so not very comfortable on a cold night. The room was either uncomforably hot or unbearably cold and the heating seemed to be erratic so we could not get the temperature right. The carpet was very dirty and warn in both bedrooms we saw and although the second room had a much better bedroom the bathroom was still very basic and also had mould and damp on the walls. We didnt bother with breakfast as it looked very bland and simple ie boiled eggs and ham which is served in a bar next door to the hotel. We did have a drink in the evening in the bar which was pleasant enough although very basic and old fashioned, it was cheap for drinks and the food was cheap although we didnt eat in there, there was alot of locals using the bar and as they all seemed to smoke which did become abit overwhelming after a while. The hotel does have quiet a good location, a very short distance from Florenc metro station - we caught the bus then the metro in from the airport and this worked well both ways costing less than a ?1 each person each way, the journey took about 45 mins. From the Florenc you could walk to the Astronomical clock in the old town square in just about 10 mins, we walked back from Charles Bridge one night via the old square and at an average pace and it took about 35 mins but it is in pleasant surroundings. The metro is easy enough to use and very very cheap although once we got our bearings we walked. I didnt find Prague to be as cheap as people lead you to believe ie food and drink with most places charging ?8 -?10 for a main course and you need to be very careful as we were short changed a couple of times and overcharged a couple of times - other people also mentioned this, then when you try and point this out suddenly they cant speak any english! I felt they thought that tourists were an easy target. Some places you could get a beer for about ?1 a pint but there were also expensive places, we had a beer and a diet coke in the Irish bar in the square in the old town and got charge nearly ?7 for the 2 drinks, this was about the same price as the cafes that line the square, which you would expect to be more expensive because of their location but that is a considerable mark up on the more traditional czech bars. Most tourist attractions ie the Castle or the Jewish Quater seemed to charge about ?11 per person entracnce fee. We did climb the Petrin Tower at the top of the hill past the Castle and the views are spectacular, be warned there are 300 steps up to the top but its worth it for the view. Prague is very pretty but also compact enough to see most of the main sights in 2 days if you are prepared to walk around which is the best way to see everything there anyway. Be careful with what you are being charged in bars and restaurants and check your change! I have travelled alot and work in travel so I am not niave but have never come across anything so blatant anywhere else in the world I have been. Prague is worth a visit but I would have preferred to stay in a different hotel that doesnt necessarily need to be within walking distance of the sights as the public transport system is so good anyway, wrap up warm in the winter as it gets very very cold. Feel free to ask me any questions, have a nice trip